The Town of Smithers will be applying for a grant to upgrade Fire Department communications equipment.
They will be going from the current analog system to Next Generation 911 which runs through the internet.
The grant would be for $100,000 through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.
During discussions at tonight’s (Tuesday) council meeting, Councilor Frank Wray wondered if the old analogue system would remain as a backup.
“We have backup satellite systems now that have been provided to all the fire departments in the regional district as we move away from the old analogue systems,” said Deputy Fire Chief Matt Herzog.
The switch to Next Gen 911 is required before March 31st, 2027, as required by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission. (CRTC)
The province has also provided $40,000 to the town for the upgrade.
If the grant is successful, the $140,000 combined would allow eight of their 12 vehicles to be upgraded and have the department in compliance by the CRTC deadline.
The remaining $60,000 to complete the fleet would come from future grants.
Herzog added after the initial installation costs, the town would continue to pay $3,500 annually to cover licensing costs for the entire fleet.
The new system would also allow photos and video of incidents to be sent to firefighters.
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